VOXX International Corporation
SHARING VEHICLE ACCESS BY USING MOBILE DEVICE MESSAGING

Abstract:

In selected embodiments, a vehicle control system (VCS) is coupled to a vehicle computer and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing/de-energizing the smartkey. The VCS communicates with a remote vehicle control platform (VCP) configured to direct the VCS and send/receive SMS messages. An authorized user of the vehicle sends from a smartphone an SMS to the VCP, identifying the vehicle and a smartphone of another person with whom the authorized user wishes to share the vehicle. The VCP sends an SMS to the other person's smartphone, notifying the other person of the vehicle's availability. The second person replies to the VCP, requesting vehicle access. The VCP receives the reply SMS, validates the other person's smartphone, and signals the VCS to grant vehicle access. The VCS unlocks the vehicle, and energizes the smartkey, rendering the vehicle accessible.